# Microbe Explorer vs Cellmaniac

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Microbe Explorer at none against Cellmaniac's 5. Microbe Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cellmaniac sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Microbe Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Microbe Explorer ships an update every 4 weeks, Cellmaniac every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microbe Explorer | Cellmaniac |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.1 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellmaniac-virus-defense/id6470078103/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **8** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 126 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adknown](https://appshunter.io/developer/1243054661) | [Norbert Fritz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620053210) |

## What reviewers say

### Microbe Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microbe-explorer/id1636308114)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cellmaniac

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellmaniac-virus-defense/id6470078103)

Engage in a thrilling biology-inspired adventure where you defend against invading germs. Upgrade your defenses, evolve your immune system, and learn about how the body fights infection through fun, physics-based gameplay.

**Highlights:** Fight invading germs, Build and evolve antibodies, Physics-based antibody control, Upgrade immune system with DNA points, Real-world biology meets gameplay, Achievements and leaderboards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 200 DNA points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 600 DNA points | $1.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1500 DNA points | $3.49 | one-time |
| 4000 DNA points | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microbe Explorer free?

Microbe Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cellmaniac free?

Cellmaniac is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Microbe Explorer or Cellmaniac have ads?

Both Microbe Explorer and Cellmaniac show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Microbe Explorer or Cellmaniac?

Microbe Explorer ships an update every 4 weeks, and Cellmaniac every 8 months. Most recently, Microbe Explorer was updated on October 27, 2026 and Cellmaniac on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*